Lessons from the Heart
Step in shape
By Rev. Rick Jones

I grew up watching Batman on TV in the 60s. I was always envious of the way Batman and Robin had whatever they might need tucked away in their utility belt. My brother and I did our best to form our own utility belt. We could never keep these necessary things attached long enough to move from here-tothere. It is hard to be as cool as Batman.

As I have gone through life I have tried to resist the temptation to hang cell phones and pagers from my belt. I'm sure Batman would not approve of such electronic devices.

A few weeks ago, I was encouraged to start carrying a pedometer around with me. I am sure that Batman would carry one of these, if he would have allowed his bat body to be overcome with mid-life flab.

It is a known fact in the healthcare industry that we preachers are rated among the highest levels of stressful jobs. I have always assumed that this is because we don't work for six and a half days a week. When that half day comes around it causes way too much stress for us.

Or our stress could have something to do with the fact that even in the smallest of churches we have at least 100 "bosses" around us. This group cannot agree on what color of napkins to use at the next luncheon without a third of the group leaving to start their own church. But, they can agree that the pastor does not do something correctly. And it is usually something highly significant like never wearing the correct color of shoes.

To help combat this a little, the heathcare provider for us United Methodist pastors is offering a new program. We are allowed to attend free fashion classes to help us better coordinate our accessories. It has made a world of difference in my stress level, as I know for sure that my shoes and belt match.

On the other hand, our healthcare provider has actually suggested that we stress-filled preachers begin considering minding our health a little. Just what we need - someone else keeping their eye on what we are doing.

Many of us United Methodist preachers are now carrying around a pedometer. Our challenge is to walk 10,000 steps each day. Just like any goal, there are days that this is easier to reach than others. Here in the long daylight hours of summer it has been nice to stroll around the neighborhood, while enjoying God's creation as I chat with my wife and allow our steps to add up as they please. Who would have thought that this would turn into a holy walk Batman?

Overall, it has been fun to cross the 10,000 mark each day. My body feels better because of it. My soul has felt more refreshed. I feel less guilty when I have that second piece of fresh baked pie that a loving congregation member brought over.

I would encourage you to join this 10,000-step club. I'm sure that you will feel better about yourself at the end of the day. And it is an easy way to separate ourselves from the world and allow God to talk to us. These pedometers can be purchased for less than twenty bucks. I'm sure Batman would be proud of the new look in utility belts.

Rick Jones is pastor at Rossville United Methodist Church.